The Ermine is a new project variety of the Ameraucana. The beautiful black and white pattern reminds me of the spots on a dalmation. Unlike the similar Splash variety which has splotches of grey throughout the feathering, or mottling, which has black feathers with white tips, the Ermine has feathers that are either completely white or completely black. It makes for a stunning pattern. Birds are a good size and have the traditional muffs and beards that Ameraucana are known for. This is a project variety and we are still working on perfecting the type and egg color. We have culled out most green-tinted eggs from our program but the roosters may still pass on a slightly green tint to eggs. Most will lay a beautiful deep blue egg.
 
The Ermine color does not breed true. Our breeding pens are set up with West Indies Dominant White roosters over Ermine and black hens. The chicks that hatch from these eggs will be 75% Ermine and 25% Dominant White. Theoretically, there should not be any black birds hatching from this pen. Dominant white birds carry two copies of the West Indies Dominant White gene. Ermine birds carry one copy. Black birds carry no copy and are essentially the same as every other black Ameraucana. West Indies Dominant White is not the same as dominant white in White Leghorns. It is also not the same as regular white Ameraucanas which are usually recessive. At hatch, it is often difficult to tell the difference between Ermine and Dominant White birds as both will be yellow. If you order an Ermine/Dominant White chick, we will do our best to choose those birds that we know to be Ermine. However, you may get an Ermine or Dominant White bird as both can look the same. Both will carry the DW gene and pass it on to future generations.
 
Ameraucanas and other breeds bred from the Ameraucana (like some varieties of Easter Eggers, Olive Eggers, and Whiting True Blues) have a genetic predisposition for crossbeak. The genetics for crossbeak are linked to the genes that are responsible for muffs in Ameraucana and tufts in the original Araucana. Most chicks with crossbeak will die during incubation. Some may hatch with crossbeak. Others may develop it as the chick grows older. Crossbeak chickens will need extra care in feeding but they can live full, normal lives. In purchasing chicks or eggs from this breed, you acknowledge that you understand the possibility that crossbeak may occur and you will not be eligible for refunds or exchanges. We do not recommend using crossbeak birds in breeding and we will not take the chickens back due to biosecurity.
 
Purpose: Eggs
Type: Project
Egg Color: Blue, Green
Egg Production/Year: 250
Egg Size: Medium to Large
Adult size: Rooster: 7lbs, Hen: 6lbs
 
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